Hydrocarbon fuel dispensing, vapor controlling system
AssigneeAtlantic Richfield Company
InventorFrederick L. Voelz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improvement in a liquid dispensing, vapor controlling system is disclosed. The improvement senses and responds to the presence of fuel flowing in the vapor passageways of the system and to the existence of a safe maximum pressure in a vehicle fuel tank with which the system is utilized. The improvement draws power from the movement of liquid fuel in the liquid fuel dispensing passageway of the system through the action of an aspirator.
Claims34
In a liquid dispensing, vapor controlling system having a liquid passageway and a vapor passageway, the improvement of apparatus for sensing and responding to the presence of a predetermined rate of liquid flowing in the vapor passageway, said apparatus adapted to be utilized with means for generating a signal in response to a predetermined gas flow and comprising, in combination:
- sensor means for defining at least one port opening into said vapor passageway, said port located within said vapor passageway so that when said predetermined rate of liquid is flowing therein, said port is at least partially blocked with liquid;
- means in communication with the liquid passageway for aspirating a flow of gas in response to the flow of liquid in the liquid passageway;
- control means having an inlet in communication with said sensor means, an inlet in communication with said aspirator means, an outlet in communication with said signal means, said control means causing a predetermined time rate of gas flow in said sensor means for automatically monitoring the gas flow therein and for generating said predetermined gas flow in said outlet whenever the flow in said sensor means varies from said predetermined time rate;
- whereby said apparatus generates said signal in response to said predetermined rate of liquid flowing in said vapor passageway and at least partial blockage of said port.
In a liquid dispensing, vapor controlling system having a liquid passageway and a vapor passageway, the improvement of apparatus for sensing and responding to the presence of a predetermined pressure in the vapor passageway, said apparatus adapted to be utilized with means for generating a signal in response to a predetermined gas flow and comprising, in combination:
- sensor means for defining at least one port opening into said vapor passageway;
- means in communication with the liquid passageway for aspirating a flow of gas in response to the flow of liquid in said liquid passageway;
- control means having an inlet in communication with said sensor means, an inlet in communication with said aspirator means, an outlet in communication with said signal means, said control means causing a predetermined time rate of gas flow in said sensor means for automatically monitoring the gas flow therein and for generating said predetermined gas flow in said outlet whenever the flow in said sensor means varies from said predetermined time rate;
- whereby said apparatus generates said signal in response to said predetermined pressure in said vapor passageway.
In a liquid dispensing, vapor controlling system having a liquid passageway and a vapor passageway, the improvement of apparatus for sensing and responding to the presence of a predetermined rate of liquid flowing in the vapor passageway and to the presence of a predetermined maximum pressure therein, said apparatus adapted to be utilized with means for generating a signal in response to a predetermined gas flow of comprising, in combination:
- first sensor means for defining a first port opening into said vapor passageway;
- second sensor means for defining a second port opening into said vapor passageway;
- the first port and the second port located within said vapor passageway so that when said predetermined rate of liquid is flowing therein, said first port is at least partially blocked with liquid and said second port is substantially clear thereof;
- means in communication with the liquid passageway for aspirating a flow of gas in response to the flow of liquid in the liquid passageway;
- and
- control means having an inlet in communication with said first sensor means, an inlet in communication with said second sensor means, an inlet in communication with said aspirator means, an outlet in commucation with said signal means, said control means causing a predetermined time rate of gas flow in said first sensor means and said second sensor means for automatically monitoring the gas flow therein and for generating said predetermined gas flow in said outlet whenever the flow in said first sensor means varies from said predetermined time rate and whenever the flow in said second sensor means varies from said predetermined time rate;
- whereby said apparatus generates said signal in response to said predetermined rate of liquid flowing in said vapor passageway and at least partial blockage of said first port, and in response to said predetermined maximum pressure in said vapor passageway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.